Korea Breaks 117-Year Heat Record as Temperatures Hit 40°C, Power Consumption Soars

South Korea is experiencing its most severe July heatwave in 117 years, with temperatures reaching over 40°C and electricity consumption hitting record highs nationwide, triggering widespread economic disruptions.

Record-Breaking Temperatures Scorch Nation

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Paju and Gwangmyeong recorded temperatures of 40.1°C and 40.2°C respectively on July 8th, marking the first time this year that temperatures have exceeded 40°C. Seoul also reached 37.1°C, setting a new July temperature record since weather recordings began 117 years ago.

The extreme heat has affected 68 out of 153 weather stations nationwide, with heat wave warnings issued across major metropolitan areas including Gangnam (38.7°C), Jongno (38.2°C), and Dongjak (39°C) districts in Seoul.

Meteorologists attribute this unprecedented heatwave to the simultaneous influence of the North Pacific High and continental high-pressure systems covering the Korean Peninsula. Weather officials warn that this extreme heat will persist for at least two more weeks.

Power Grid Under Extreme Stress

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) reported that peak electricity demand surged 18% above normal levels, reaching 89.2 GW - the highest July consumption on record. This approaches the all-time summer peak of 93.4 GW recorded in 2022.

Air conditioning usage has concentrated between 2 PM and 4 PM, placing enormous strain on the national power grid. Seoul's Gangnam district experienced temporary blackouts, forcing apartment complexes to activate emergency generators.

The government has activated Level 1 power emergency protocols, mandating public buildings maintain indoor temperatures at 28°C and requesting voluntary power conservation from major industrial consumers.

Economic Sectors Face Major Disruptions

Agriculture Industry Suffers Heavy Losses

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reports rapid expansion of crop damage. Prices for leafy vegetables including cabbage, radish, and lettuce have surged over 30% due to severely stunted growth.

The livestock sector faces critical conditions, with one poultry farm in Gyeonggi Province losing 5,000 chickens in a single day. Nationwide livestock mortality rates have tripled compared to normal levels, forcing farmers to install additional cooling systems.

The Korea Rural Economic Institute projects that if the heatwave continues for two more weeks, agricultural product prices could rise by over 15%.

Construction Industry Halts Operations

Major construction companies including Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Daelim Industrial have suspended afternoon work or drastically reduced operating hours to early morning shifts (4 AM to 10 AM) to protect worker safety.

According to the Korea Construction Association, approximately 40% of the nation's 2,500 construction sites have halted afternoon operations. This is causing inevitable 2-3 week delays in apartment construction and major infrastructure projects.

Energy Sector Shows Mixed Results

While surging electricity demand has boosted revenues for energy companies, power generation facilities face efficiency challenges. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power reports that nuclear plant cooling water temperatures approaching 35°C have reduced generation efficiency by 5%.

Conversely, LNG importers are experiencing significant sales increases. Korea Gas Corporation expects July LNG imports to rise 25% compared to the same period last year.

Public Health Crisis Emerges

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reports heat-related illnesses have surged 83% year-over-year, exceeding 800 cases. Elderly populations and outdoor workers face the highest risk of heat stroke.

The government has opened 500 cooling centers nationwide and expanded cooling cost subsidies for vulnerable populations, though preparation appears insufficient for the sudden onset of extreme temperatures.

Climate Change Adaptation Urgency

Climate scientists identify this heatwave as a direct consequence of climate change. The Korean Meteorological Society warns that "such extreme weather events will become increasingly frequent" and emphasizes the need for comprehensive national adaptation strategies.

The government plans to announce a comprehensive climate change adaptation plan in the second half of 2025, including heatwave response infrastructure expansion, power grid stabilization measures, and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations.

Economic Implications Beyond Summer

This extreme weather event extends far beyond temporary discomfort, creating lasting economic impacts across multiple sectors. The construction delays will affect housing supply, agricultural price increases will impact inflation, and the strain on energy infrastructure highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient economic planning.

As Korea grapples with this unprecedented heatwave, the event serves as a stark reminder of climate change's immediate economic consequences and the critical importance of adaptive infrastructure investment.

Original: https://trendy.storydot.kr/economy/korea-heatwave-power-consumption-record